Page 103 - South Mississippi Living - April, 2017

“I’ve been coaching youth sports for five years now and I’ve gotten to know the kids who play in the local leagues over the years,” Barney said. After being around these children for years, he realized there was a missed opportunity for someone to step in and help them improve not only their athletic ability, but their sense of sportsmanship, self-esteem and life skills as well.
Barney began Gulfport Green Wave just three months ago, and has already seen some amazing changes happen in the lives of the children who are involved. “We have expanded to include Amateur Athletic Union basketball, football and travel baseball, and within just two weeks we grew from 30 athletes to 180,” he said. “It’s taken off faster than we could have ever imagined.”
Most of the athletes are underprivileged, many coming from broken homes. “For many of these kids, sports just aren’t an option outside of this organization,” Barney said. “Many of them can’t afford uniforms, so I do my best to find sponsors for those who need help. I’ll do whatever it takes to help them, even if it means paying their way myself because there’s no way I could tell a child they can’t play because their parents can’t afford it.”
Playing competitive sports can get expensive, with costs reaching $800 for each individual throughout the year. With Barney’s help and many generous donations, Green Wave is able to bring those costs down to $200 per child. “Most of our funding comes from individual sponsors
or fundraisers,” Barney said. “ We’ve already hosted car washes and sold raffle tickets, and are currently working on some profit shares with Newk’s and Mugshots.”
Though sports are what draws kids to Green Wave, Barney makes sure they know that it’s about so much more. “This is a healthy, safe and positive environment for them where we can teach them about the importance of dedication and giving back,” Barney said.
For more information or to sponsor a young athlete:
Coach Jeffery Barney
228.236.6131 nemo_87_06@gmail.com
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